Club Cool at Epcot: Free Coca-Cola Samples and the Infamous Beverly
Wondering if Club Cool at Epcot is worth visiting? Here’s everything you need to know about the free Coca-Cola samples, Beverly, and why this fun stop is a must-do at Epcot.
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
There are some things at Disney World that you do because they are genuinely wonderful.
And then there are things you do because everybody else has done them, and now you need to know what the fuss is about.
That is Beverly.
Club Cool is one of those little Epcot stops that is easy to overlook if you do not know it is there.
But once you do know?
You will probably end up going in.
Partly because it is free.
Partly because it is air-conditioned.
And partly because there is something deeply entertaining about watching somebody try Beverly for the first time.
Honestly, that may be the real attraction.
What Is Club Cool?
Club Cool is a Coca-Cola experience inside Epcot where you can sample soda flavors from around the world.
For free.
Yes, actually free.
At Disney World.
Which already makes it feel a little suspicious.
You walk in, grab a small cup, and make your way around the soda dispensers trying different flavors.
Some are fruity.
Some are sweet.
Some are surprisingly good.
And one tastes like carbonated regret.
We will get to that.
Club Cool also sells Coca-Cola merchandise and drinks, but the free samples are really why most people stop.
Disney currently lists Club Cool as a shopping location at Epcot, although the soda tasting is the reason it has become such a recognizable part of the park.
Where Is Club Cool?
Club Cool is located in the World Celebration area of Epcot, near Creations Shop.
It is not tucked away inside World Showcase, so this is something you can do earlier in the day without waiting until the countries open.
That makes it a useful little stop if you are already in the front half of the park.
It is also indoors.
And air-conditioned.
Which means there are times when I would probably walk in even if they were sampling carbonated dishwater.
Florida heat changes your standards.
Why Club Cool Is Actually Fun
The soda is only part of it.
The real fun is trying everything with other people.
Everybody grabs a cup.
Everybody picks a flavor.
Then you start comparing reactions.
One person loves something everyone else hates.
Someone finds a new favorite.
Someone insists you need to try a flavor that tastes suspiciously medicinal.
And eventually…
Someone drinks Beverly.
This is especially fun with kids and teenagers because they are usually willing to try things without overthinking them.
Or they are willing to trick somebody else into trying something first.
Either way, you win.
Let’s Talk About Beverly
Beverly is an Italian non-alcoholic aperitif.
That sounds very civilized.
It does not taste civilized.
It is bitter.
Really bitter.
The kind of bitter that makes your whole face react before your brain has even figured out what happened.
The first sip is confusing.
Then the aftertaste arrives.
And somehow that is worse.
There are people who say they like Beverly.
I assume these people also enjoy licking aspirin and losing arguments.
To be fair, I understand that Beverly is not supposed to taste like a typical American soda.
It is meant to be bitter and palate-cleansing.
Fine.
I respect that.
I still think it is disgusting.
Both things can be true.
Should You Try Beverly?
Yes.
I know.
That makes no sense after everything I just said.
But you should.
Once.
Club Cool is one of those experiences where trying Beverly is almost a rite of passage.
You take a tiny sip.
You make the face.
Everybody laughs.
Then you immediately pour yourself something sweet to recover.
That is the whole ritual.
Do not fill the cup.
That would be reckless.
You need approximately one mouthful.
Possibly less.
This is not the time to prove anything.
The Other Flavors Are Much Better
The good news is that Club Cool has more to offer than Beverly.
The lineup can change, but there are usually several fruity and sweet sodas that are much easier to enjoy.
That is actually one of the reasons I like stopping here.
You may find something you genuinely love.
And because the samples are small, you can try several without committing to a full drink.
That is much better than buying an entire bottle of something unusual and then realizing nobody in your family wants to finish it.
Not that this has ever happened to me.
Do Not Turn It Into a Drinking Contest
This feels like obvious advice.
Apparently, it is not.
The samples are free, but that does not mean you need to drink seventeen cups of soda.
You are still at Epcot.
You may be walking around in the heat afterward.
You may have food plans.
You may already be full of caramel popcorn, pastries, pizza, and questionable festival decisions.
Try the flavors.
Have fun.
Then stop before your stomach starts filing complaints.
Club Cool is supposed to be a quick experience.
Not a personal challenge.
Club Cool Is a Great Midday Break
One of the best things about Club Cool is that it gives you an excuse to get out of the sun.
You can cool down.
Try a few drinks.
Browse the Coca-Cola merchandise.
Then head back outside when you feel slightly more human.
I would especially keep it in mind if you are spending time around Spaceship Earth, Creations Shop, or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
It is not something you need to plan your whole day around.
But it is a very easy add-on.
And because it is free, it is one of the rare Disney experiences that does not require another conversation about the budget.
Is Club Cool Good for Kids?
Usually, yes.
Kids tend to love the idea of trying sodas from different countries.
It feels like a game.
And because the cups are small, they can sample several without wasting a full drink.
That said, I would probably supervise the pouring.
Otherwise, you may end up with a cup containing six different sodas mixed together into one horrifying creation.
Actually…
That may happen anyway.
Some lessons need to be learned personally.
Is Club Cool Worth It?
Definitely.
Not because it is the greatest attraction in Epcot.
It is not.
But it is fun, free, indoors, and easy to fit into almost any day.
That is a pretty strong combination.
You get a little break from the heat.
You try something different.
You laugh at your family’s reactions.
And then Beverly ruins everyone’s mood for approximately thirty seconds.
What more could you ask for?
Final Thoughts
Club Cool is one of those Epcot experiences that I think everyone should try at least once.
The soda samples are fun.
The air conditioning is appreciated.
The price is excellent.
And Beverly is terrible.
Truly.
Spectacularly terrible.
But that is also why you need to try it.
Because later, when somebody asks whether you have tasted Beverly at Epcot, you can look them directly in the eye and say:
“Yes.”
And then quietly add:
“Never again.”
Cool Off Around Epcot
Best Snacks at Epcot
If you’re taking a break at Club Cool, chances are you’re looking for a way to beat the Florida heat. Check out my guide to the best snacks at Epcot for even more refreshing treats, savory bites, and can’t-miss desserts from around World Showcase.
L’Artisan des Glaces
Still not cooled off? Head over to L’Artisan des Glaces in the France Pavilion for one of my favorite frozen treats in Epcot. Between the ice cream, sorbet, and famous macaron ice cream sandwich, it’s the perfect next stop on a hot afternoon.
Kabuki Cafe
Another great way to cool down is with a colorful kakigori from Kabuki Cafe in the Japan Pavilion. It’s one of my favorite refreshing snacks in Epcot and a great excuse to explore one of my favorite countries in World Showcase.
Gelateria Toscana
If you’re heading toward Italy, don’t miss Gelateria Toscana. Whether you choose creamy gelato or a fruity sorbet, it’s another delicious way to cool off before continuing your trip around World Showcase.
